Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on Security Council Action to Sanction Boko Haram

Samantha PowerU.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations

New York, NY, United States

May 22, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, the Security Council took an important step in support of the government of Nigeria’s efforts to defeat Boko Haram and hold its murderous leadership accountable for atrocities. By adding Boko Haram to the UN’s 1267 sanctions list, the Security Council has helped to close off important avenues of funding, travel and weapons to Boko Haram, and shown global unity against their savage actions.

The sanctions designation is the latest step in the international community’s long-term effort to help Nigeria counter this terrorist threat. Last weekend in Paris, the United States and our partners agreed to assist Nigeria in developing a comprehensive strategy to address Boko Haram’s threat to the region by strengthening regional cooperation on counterterrorism, including intelligence sharing and border security. Today’s listing also supports and facilitates regional cooperation in confronting Boko Haram. The United States has been working with Nigeria to provide critical tools and support for confronting Boko Haram, like helping professionalize its military; working on law enforcement so that they can better investigate and assist in hostage situations; and providing economic assistance, including education and job training programs, to help lift people out of poverty and provide an alternative to extremist ideologies.

In the early hours of April 15, more than 200 school girls were snatched from their classrooms and taken hostage in one of many merciless Boko Haram attacks that have killed thousands. We will continue doing everything we can to help the people of Nigeria bring back their girls, and we will work with the government of Nigeria to eliminate Boko Haram, including refuting their backwards and bloodthirsty ideology, because no child anywhere should ever be afraid to pursue a brighter future.

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